Will This Snow Ever Melt? Why Winter Is (actually) the Best Time to Plan Your Landscape
It certainly feels like it won’t, especially when the ground is frozen solid and the landscape looks more like a blank white canvas than a garden. But spring always arrives, often faster than we expect. And when it does, everything moves quickly.
That’s why winter is not a season to ignore your landscape, it’s the season to prepare for it.
If I can’t plant anything now, why think about my landscape at all?
Because spring is for planting, but winter is for planning.
Once temperatures rise, homeowners in Narberth, Haverford, and Wynnewood often feel immediate pressure to make decisions: which plants to choose, where to screen neighbors, how to improve curb appeal. Without a plan, those decisions can become rushed or reactive.
Using winter to think strategically allows spring planting season to be efficient, intentional, and far more rewarding.
What does winter reveal about my landscape?
Winter is the most honest season in the garden. Without leaves, flowers, or lush growth, the underlying structure of the landscape is fully visible.
This is often when homeowners notice:
Privacy gaps that disappear once trees leaf out
Clear sightlines to neighboring homes, streets, or utilities that would be better to screen.
Front-yard approaches that feel less welcoming than they should
Imbalances in scale, rhythm, or flow in the structure that foliage usually hides
Snow may make planting impossible, but it also brings clarity emphasizing the balance or imbalance in your landscape.
Can winter really help solve privacy and screening issues?
Absolutely. Winter is often the best time to identify them.
When you can see directly into a neighbor’s window…or they can see into yours…it becomes easier to understand where evergreen screening, layered planting, or structural elements would improve comfort year-round.
This kind of assessment is especially valuable on the in mature neighborhoods like Narberth, Haverford, and Wynnewood where close property lines and construction and home renovation change sightlines.
What should I be thinking about while the ground is frozen?
While the weather may feel like a frozen tundra, winter is an ideal time to consider:
Privacy and screening strategies using evergreens and layered plantings
Views and visibility from inside the home and from the street
Arrival experience for guests approaching your front door or driveway
Circulation and flow, including walkways and connections between spaces
Long-term goals, not just what you want this summer, but how the landscape should mature over time and create a beautiful experience for you and your guest.
These questions are much easier to answer when the garden isn’t actively growing and there’s no rush to get plants in the ground immediately.
How does winter planning make spring better?
Spring planting windows are short, and demand is high. Nurseries sell through popular plants quickly, and installation schedules fill fast.
Having a clear landscape plan in place before the thaw means:
Plant choices are intentional, not based on last-minute availability
Layouts and materials are coordinated in advance
Early spring planting opportunities aren’t missed
Decisions feel calm and confident rather than rushed
So… should I really be thinking about my landscape right now?
Yes! Even while the snow is still on the ground.
Winter provides the opportunity to assess challenges, identify opportunities, and create a thoughtful plan. When spring finally arrives you will ready to make the most of those warm days instead of scrambling to catch up.
The snow will melt. The ground will thaw.
Planning now ensures spring is a season of growth, not guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Landscape Planning
Is winter a good time to plan landscaping?
Yes. Winter is ideal for evaluating structure, privacy, and long-term goals without the distraction of active growth.
When should I start planning my spring landscape?
Late fall and winter are the best times to develop a plan so you’re ready to act as soon as planting season begins.
Can I improve privacy in my yard before spring?
You can’t plant immediately, but winter planning allows you to design evergreen screening and layered plantings that can be installed as soon as conditions allow.
Do I need a full redesign to make improvements?
Not necessarily. Many landscapes benefit from targeted updates like screening, improved circulation, or enhanced arrival sequences. Prioritizing areas that you and your guests will see every time they come to your home can create a powerful impact while still controlling the budget.
Thinking About Your Landscape This Winter?
If you’re considering landscape planning in Narberth, Haverford, or Wynnewood, winter is an ideal time to start the conversation. Thoughtful planning now ensures that when spring arrives, your landscape is ready to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Explore our Pricing Packages to see real examples and find the right starting point for your project.
— Union Landscape Design
